Theforeign relations of Canada are Canada's relations with other governments and nations. Canada is recognized as amiddle power for its role in global affairs with a tendency to pursuemultilateral andinternational solutions.[2][3][4]Globalization has significantly influenced Canadian foreign policies,[5] with the country known for its promotion of peace and security through mediation,[6] and for providingaid to developing countries.[7]
The "golden age of Canadian diplomacy" refers to a period in Canadian history, typically considered to be the mid-twentieth century, when Canada experienced a high level of success in its foreign relations and diplomatic efforts.[8][9] Canada's leading role in the creation of theUniversal Declaration of Human Rights,[10][11] andit's development of modern peacekeeping during this period played a major role in the country's positive global image.[12][13] Canada has long been reluctant to participate in military operations that are not sanctioned by theUnited Nations.[14] Since the 21st century, Canadian direct participation in UN peacekeeping efforts has greatly declined.[15] The large decrease was a result of Canada directing its participation to UN-sanctioned militaryoperations through NATO, rather than directly through the UN.[16] Canada has faced controversy over its involvement in some foreign countries, notably the 1993Somalia affair.[17]
Canada and the United States have a long, complex, and intertwined relationship;[18][19] they are close allies, co-operating regularly on military campaigns and humanitarian efforts.[20][21] Canada also maintains historic and traditionalties to the United Kingdom andto France,[22] along with both countries' former colonies through its membership in theCommonwealth of Nations and theOrganisation internationale de la Francophonie.[23] Canada is noted for having a positiverelationship with the Netherlands, owing, in part, to its contribution to theDutch liberation during World War II.[24]Canada has diplomatic and consular offices in over 270 locations in approximately 180 foreign countries.[1]
Canada promotesits domestically shared values through participating inmultiple international organizations.[25][26]Canada was a founding member of the United Nations in 1945 and formed theNorth American Aerospace Defense Command together with the United States in 1958.[27] Canada has membership in theWorld Trade Organization, theFive Eyes, theG7 and theOrganisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).[2] Canada acceded to theInternational Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1976.[28] The country joined theOrganization of American States (OAS) in 1990,[29] and seeks to expand its ties toPacific Rim economies through membership in theAsia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC).[30] As of 2023,Canada is a signatory to 15 free trade agreements with 51 different countries.[31]
The foreign policies ofCanada and its predecessor colonies were under British control until the 20th century. This included wars with theUnited States in 1775-1783 and 1812–1815. Economic ties with the U.S. were always close. Political tensions arose in the 19th century from anti-British sentiment in the U.S. in the 1860s. Boundary issues caused diplomatic disputes resolved in the 1840s over the Maine boundary and in the early 20th century over the Alaska boundary. There is ongoing discussion regarding the Arctic. Canada-US relations have been friendly in the 20th and 21st centuries.[32]
In 1982, responsibility for trade was added with the creation of the Department of External Affairs and International Trade. In 1995, the name was changed to Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Canada has often carried out its foreign policy through coalitions and international organizations, and through the work of numerous federal institutions (e.g.: the Royal Canadian Mounted Police International Peace Operations Branch[33] or deployments of personnel by the Correctional Service of Canada[34]). Under the aegis of Canadian foreign policy, various departments and agencies conduct their owninternational relations and outreach activities. For example, theCanadian Forces and theDepartment of National Defence conductdefence diplomacy in support of national interests, including through the deployment of Canadian Defence Attachés,[35] participation in bilateral and multilateral military forums (e.g., theSystem of Cooperation Among the American Air Forces), ship and aircraft visits, military training and cooperation,[36] and other such outreach and relationship-building efforts.
There are two major elements of Canadian foreign relations, Canada-US relations and multilateralism.
Greg Donaghy, of Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs, argues:
Canada's international relations are the responsibility of theDepartment of Global Affairs, which is run by theMinister of Foreign Affairs. Traditionally thePrime Minister has played a prominent role in foreign affairs decisions. Foreign aid, formerly delivered through theCanadian International Development Agency, has been administered by DFATD since March 2013.[38]
.jpg)
The strategy of the Canadian government's foreign aid policy reflects an emphasis to meet theMillennium Development Goals, while also providing assistance in response to foreign humanitarian crises. Canada promotesits domestically shared values such as health, education, food security, climate action, gender equality, economic stability, human rights, and democracy through multilateral organizations, includingWorld Bank Group,World Food Programme,UNICEF, and theGlobal Fund,[39] as well as Canadian organizations likeNutrition International,Grand Challenges Canada, andSave the Children.[40]
In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, Canada spent $12 billion on foreign aid.[41] Canada is the 6th-largest overall contributor of official development assistance and the fifteenth largest when measured as a proportion of its gross national income.[42] Canada provides substantial development assistance, primarily throughOfficial Development Assistance with the goals of reducing global poverty and sustainable development.[43] In 2024, Canada's ODA reached approximately CAD$9.6 billion (US$7.4 billion), representing 0.34% of its GNI,[44] making it a significant donor among OECD countries.[45]
A 2024 survey byAbacus Data indicated that Canadians generally support Canada's global engagement, particularly in providing international assistance.[46] A separate poll byCanWaCH found that 81% of Canadians support Canada providing Official Development Assistance funding.[47] Furthermore, 77% of Canadians believe it's important for Canada to help other countries in need.[47]
The provinces have a high level of freedom to operate internationally, dating to 1886 andQuebec's first representative to France,Hector Fabre. Alberta has had representatives abroad, starting with Alberta House in London (37 Hill Street), since 1948, and British Columbia around 25 years before that.[48] By 1984, Quebec had offices in ten countries including eight in the United States and three in other Canadian provinces while Ontario had thirteen delegations in seven countries.[49]
.png)
Canadian Government guidance for export controls on weapons systems is published by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.[50][51] Automatic Firearms Country Control List, comprises a list of approved export nations which include as of 2014; (Albania, Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Bulgaria, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States).
Canada is and has been a strong supporter ofmultilateralism. The country is one of the world's leadingpeacekeepers, sending soldiers under the U.N. authority around the world.[52] Canadian former Minister of Foreign Affairs and subsequent Prime Minister,Lester B. Pearson, is credited for his contributions to modern international peacekeeping, for which he won theNobel Peace Prize in 1957.[53] Canada is committed to disarmament, and is especially noted for its leadership in the1997 Convention in Ottawa on the prohibition of the use, stockpiling, production and transfer ofanti-personnel mines.[54]
In the last century Canada has made efforts to reach out to the rest of the world and promoting itself as a "middle power" able to work with large and small nations alike. This was demonstrated during theSuez Crisis whenLester B. Pearson mollified the tension by proposingpeacekeeping efforts and the inception of theUnited Nations Peacekeeping Force. In that spirit, Canada developed and has tried to maintain a leading role inUN peacekeeping efforts.[55]
Canada has long been reluctant to participate in military operations that are not sanctioned by the United Nations, such as theVietnam War or the2003 Invasion of Iraq, but does join in sanctioned operations such as the firstGulf War,Afghanistan andLibya. It participated with its NATO andOAS allies in theKosovo Conflict and inHaiti respectively.
Despite Canada's track record as a liberal democracy that has embraced the values of theUN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Canada has not been involved in any major plan forReform of the United Nations Security Council; although the Canadian government does support UN reform, in order to strengthen UN efficiency and effectiveness.[56]
Canada joined theOrganization of American States (OAS) in 1990 and has been an active member, hosting the OAS General Assembly inWindsor, Ontario, in June 2000.
ManyCaribbean Community countries turn to Canada as a valued partner.[57] Canadians, particularly Canadian banks and utility companies play an important economic role in the development of formerBritish West Indies colonies. Efforts to improve trade have included the idea of concluding a free trade agreement to replace the 1986 bilateralCARIBCAN agreement. At various times, several Caribbean countries have also considered joiningCanadian Confederation asnew provinces or territories, although no Caribbean nation has implemented such a proposal. Note that many Caribbean countries are also involved in the Commonwealth of Nations, below.
Canada maintains close links to the United Kingdom and otherCommonwealth realms, with which Canada has strong historic ties and shares a monarch. It also remains a member of theCommonwealth.
Canada is an active participant in discussions stemming from theOrganization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Two overseas territories of EU members,Greenland (Denmark) andSaint Pierre and Miquelon (France) lie adjacent to Canadian territorial waters.
Canada is a member of the following organizations:[58]
| Organization | Main article | Mission of Canada | Heads of mission from Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
 North Atlantic Treaty Organization | Canada–NATO relations | Mission of Canada to the North Atlantic Council (Brussels) | List of permanent representatives of Canada to NATO |
 Organization of American States | Canada–Latin America relations | Mission of Canada to the Organization of American States (Washington, D.C.) | List of permanent representatives and observers of Canada to the Organization of American States |
 United Nations | Canada and the United Nations | Mission of Canada to: the UN in New York, the UN in Geneva, the UN in Nairobi, UNESCO in Paris, the FAO in Rome, the ICAO in Montreal | List of ambassadors of Canada to the United Nations |
International Civil Aviation Organization | This sectionneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.(September 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Canada and the United States have negotiated theboundary between the countries over many years, with the last significant agreement having taken place in 1984 when theInternational Court of Justice ruled on themaritime boundary in theGulf of Maine. Likewise, Canada and France had previously contested the maritime boundary surrounding the islands ofSt. Pierre and Miquelon, but accepted a 1992International Court of Arbitration ruling.
Remaining disputes include managed maritime boundary disputes with the US (Dixon Entrance,Beaufort Sea,Strait of Juan de Fuca,Machias Seal Island).
A long-simmering dispute between Canada and the U.S. involves the issue of Canadian sovereignty over theNorthwest Passage (the sea passages through the Arctic Archipelago). Canada's assertion that the Northwest Passage represents internal (territorial) waters has been challenged by other countries, especially the U.S., which argue that these waters constitute aninternational strait (international waters). Canadians were incensed when Americans drove the reinforced oil tanker Manhattan through the Northwest Passage in 1969, followed by the icebreakerPolar Sea in 1985, both without asking for Canadian permission.[59][60] In 1970, the Canadian government enacted the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act, which asserts Canadian regulatory control over pollution within a 100-nautical-mile (190 km) zone. In response, the Americans in 1970 stated, "We cannot accept the assertion of a Canadian claim that the Arctic waters are internal waters of Canada.... Such acceptance would jeopardize the freedom of navigation essential for United States naval activities worldwide." A compromise was reached in 1988, by an agreement on "Arctic Cooperation," which pledges that voyages of American icebreakers "will be undertaken with the consent of the Government of Canada." However the agreement did not alter either country's basic legal position. Essentially, the Americans agreed to ask for the consent of the Government of Canada without conceding that they were obliged to. In January 2006, David Wilkins, the American ambassador to Canada, said his government opposes Stephen Harper's proposed plan to deploy military icebreakers in the Arctic to detect interlopers and assert Canadian sovereignty over those waters.[61]
Along with other nations in theArctic Council, Canada, Sweden, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Russia, the maritime boundaries in the far north will be decided after countries have completed their submissions, due in 2012. Russia has made an extensive claim based on the Russian position that everything that is an extension of theLomonosov Ridge should be assigned to Russia.[62][63] Their submission had been rejected when first submitted by the United Nations in 2001.[64]
In June 2019, the U.S. State Department spokespersonMorgan Ortagus said the US "view Canada’s claim that the waters of the Northwest Passage are internal waters of Canada as inconsistent with international law."[65]
In December 2024, Canada outlined plans to address growing global interest in the Arctic, driven by climate change and geopolitical tensions, including Russia's actions in Ukraine. Recognizing climate change as the central threat, Canada committed to strengthening regional alliances, particularly with the U.S., while enhancing military defenses and asserting sovereignty over the Northwest Passage. It also aimed to resolve territorial disputes with the U.S. and Denmark, revive the Arctic ambassador role, and expand diplomatic ties in Alaska and Greenland. Indigenous leaders, though supportive, stressed the urgent need for better infrastructure in Arctic communities to bolster sovereignty and resilience.[66]
List of countries which Canada maintains diplomatic relations with:
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| # | Country | Date[67] |
| 1 |  United Kingdom | 1 July 1926[citation needed] |
| 2 |  United States | 18 February 1927[68] |
| 3 |  France | 31 January 1928 |
| 4 |  Japan | 31 January 1928 |
| 5 |  Belgium | 3 January 1939 |
| 6 |  Netherlands | 3 January 1939 |
| 7 |  Ireland | 11 September 1939 |
| 8 |  New Zealand | 11 September 1939 |
| 9 |  South Africa | 11 September 1939 |
| 10 |  Australia | 2 November 1939 |
| 11 |  Argentina | 14 November 1940 |
| 12 |  Brazil | 14 November 1940 |
| 13 |  Chile | 9 October 1941 |
| 14 |  Serbia | 9 February 1942 |
| 15 |  Norway | 9 February 1942 |
| 16 |  Poland | 9 February 1942 |
| 17 |  Russia | 12 June 1942 |
| 18 |  Czech Republic | 5 November 1942 |
| 19 |  Greece | 5 November 1942 |
| 20 |  Sweden | 2 July 1943[69] |
| 21 |  Mexico | 30 January 1944 |
| 22 |  Peru | 30 January 1944 |
| 23 |  Turkey | 4 August 1944 |
| 24 |  Luxembourg | 3 January 1945 |
| 25 |  Cuba | 16 March 1945 |
| 26 |  India | 6 April 1945 |
| 27 |  Switzerland | 24 June 1945[70] |
| 28 |  Denmark | 5 December 1945 |
| 29 |  Iceland | 6 June 1947[71] |
| 30 |  Italy | 13 August 1947 |
| 31 |  Finland | 21 November 1947[72] |
| 32 |  Philippines | 4 December 1949 |
| 33 |  Pakistan | 8 December 1949 |
| 34 |  Uruguay | 27 February 1951 |
| 35 |  Germany | 8 November 1951[73] |
| 36 |  Portugal | 18 January 1952 |
| 37 |  Austria | 9 August 1952 |
| 38 |  Indonesia | 9 October 1952[74] |
| 39 |  Colombia | 6 November 1952 |
| 40 |  Venezuela | 22 November 1952 |
| 41 |  Spain | 21 February 1953 |
| 42 |  Sri Lanka | 20 August 1953 |
| 43 |  Dominican Republic | 22 April 1954 |
| 44 |  Haiti | 12 May 1954 |
| 45 |  Egypt | 28 July 1954 |
| 46 |  Israel | 28 July 1954 |
| 47 |  Lebanon | 26 August 1954 |
| — |  Iran (suspended) | 9 January 1955[75] |
| 48 |  Tunisia | 9 September 1957 |
| 49 |  Ghana | 30 October 1957 |
| 50 |  Malaysia | 29 March 1958 |
| 51 |  Myanmar | 9 August 1958 |
| 52 |  Nigeria | 1 October 1960 |
| 53 |  Costa Rica | 20 January 1961 |
| 54 |  Paraguay | 5 February 1961 |
| 55 |  Ecuador | March 1961 |
| 56 |  Sierra Leone | 27 April 1961 |
| 57 |  Sudan | 29 May 1961 |
| 58 |  Bolivia | May 1961 |
| 59 |  Iraq | 27 June 1961 |
| 60 |  Honduras | June 1961 |
| 61 |  Nicaragua | June 1961 |
| 62 |  Panama | 11 August 1961[76] |
| 63 |  Cyprus | 14 August 1961 |
| 64 |  Guatemala | 16 September 1961 |
| 65 |  Thailand | 8 November 1961 |
| 66 |  Cameroon | 7 December 1961 |
| 67 |  Tanzania | 9 December 1961 |
| 68 |  El Salvador | 29 December 1961 |
| 69 |  Chad | 12 February 1962 |
| 70 |  Republic of the Congo | February 1962 |
| 71 |  Gabon | February 1962 |
| 72 |  Guinea | 28 March 1962 |
| 73 |  Benin | 27 April 1962 |
| 74 |  Burkina Faso | 27 April 1962 |
| 75 |  Ivory Coast | 27 April 1962 |
| 76 |  Niger | 27 April 1962 |
| 77 |  Morocco | 17 May 1962 |
| 78 |  Senegal | 1 June 1962 |
| 79 |  Togo | 7 June 1962 |
| 80 |  Democratic Republic of the Congo | 12 June 1962 |
| 81 |  Central African Republic | 13 June 1962 |
| 82 |  Jamaica | 2 August 1962[77] |
| 83 |  Uganda | 9 October 1962 |
| 84 |  Mali | 7 January 1963 |
| 85 |  South Korea | 14 January 1963 |
| 86 |  Trinidad and Tobago | 28 February 1963 |
| 87 |  Malawi | November 1963 |
| 88 |  Kenya | 5 May 1964 |
| 89 |  Hungary | 11 June 1964 |
| 90 |  Zambia | 24 October 1964 |
| 91 |  Jordan | 23 December 1964 |
| 92 |  Malta | 23 December 1964 |
| 93 |  Madagascar | 7 January 1965 |
| 94 |  Nepal | 18 January 1965 |
| 95 |  Kuwait | 27 April 1965 |
| 96 |  Syria | 20 May 1965 |
| 97 |  Ethiopia | 13 October 1965 |
| 98 |  Algeria | 12 November 1965 |
| 99 |  Rwanda | 23 November 1965[78] |
| 100 |  Singapore | 7 March 1966 |
| 101 |  Guyana | 26 May 1966 |
| 102 |  Bulgaria | 4 July 1966 |
| 103 |  Gambia | 24 August 1966 |
| 104 |  Barbados | 30 November 1966 |
| 105 |  Romania | 4 April 1967 |
| 106 |  Lesotho | 27 April 1967 |
| 107 |  Mauritius | 27 August 1967 |
| 108 |  Somalia | 23 June 1968 |
| 109 |  Afghanistan | 17 July 1968 |
| 110 |  Libya | 26 October 1968 |
| 111 |  Eswatini | 29 October 1968[79] |
| 112 |  Mauritania | 12 December 1968 |
| 113 |  Botswana | 19 December 1968 |
| 114 |  Burundi | 27 March 1969[80] |
| — |  Holy See | 15 October 1969 |
| 115 |  Fiji | 10 October 1970[81] |
| 116 |  China | 13 October 1970 |
| 117 |  Liberia | 24 February 1971 |
| 118 |  Tonga | 11 June 1971 |
| 119 |  Samoa | 11 June 1971 |
| 120 |  Bangladesh | 14 February 1972 |
| 121 |  Bahamas | 23 November 1972 |
| 122 |  Bahrain | 2 February 1973[82] |
| 123 |  Saudi Arabia | 8 May 1973 |
| 124 |  Vietnam | 21 August 1973 |
| 125 |  Mongolia | 30 November 1973 |
| 126 |  Oman | 2 February 1974 |
| 127 |  Qatar | 2 February 1974 |
| 128 |  United Arab Emirates | 2 February 1974 |
| 129 |  Grenada | 7 February 1974 |
| 130 |  Laos | 15 June 1974 |
| 131 |  Mozambique | 25 June 1975 |
| 132 |  Papua New Guinea | 16 September 1975 |
| 133 |  Yemen | 30 December 1975 |
| 134 |  Guinea-Bissau | 26 March 1976 |
| 135 |  Seychelles | 29 June 1976[83] |
| 136 |  Cape Verde | 20 July 1976 |
| 137 |  Suriname | 2 November 1976[84] |
| 138 |  Comoros | 16 June 1977 |
| 139 |  Angola | 3 February 1978 |
| 140 |  Djibouti | 13 June 1978 |
| 141 |  Solomon Islands | 7 July 1978 |
| 142 |  São Tomé and Príncipe | 13 December 1978 |
| 143 |  Dominica | 21 December 1978 |
| 144 |  Saint Lucia | 22 February 1979 |
| 145 |  Kiribati | 12 July 1979 |
| 146 |  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 19 September 1979 |
| 147 |  Zimbabwe | 19 April 1980 |
| 148 |  Vanuatu | 30 July 1980 |
| 149 |  Equatorial Guinea | 20 August 1980 |
| 150 |  Tuvalu | 23 September 1980 |
| 151 |  Antigua and Barbuda | 1 November 1981 |
| 152 |  Belize | 24 November 1981[85] |
| 153 |  Maldives | 14 December 1981 |
| 154 |  Saint Kitts and Nevis | 11 October 1983[86] |
| 155 |  Brunei | 7 May 1984[87] |
| 156 |  Albania | 10 September 1987 |
| 157 |  Namibia | 21 March 1990 |
| 158 |  Estonia | 26 August 1991 |
| 159 |  Latvia | 26 August 1991 |
| 160 |  Lithuania | 26 August 1991 |
| 161 |  Cambodia | 25 November 1991[88] |
| 162 |  Slovenia | 7 January 1992[89] |
| 163 |  Ukraine | 27 January 1992 |
| 164 |  Armenia | 31 January 1992 |
| 165 |  Kyrgyzstan | 17 February 1992 |
| 166 |  Moldova | 20 February 1992 |
| 167 |  Tajikistan | 28 March 1992[90] |
| 168 |  Belarus | 21 May 1992 |
| 169 |  Kazakhstan | 21 May 1992 |
| 170 |  Turkmenistan | 21 May 1992 |
| 171 |  Uzbekistan | 21 May 1992 |
| 172 |  Azerbaijan | 10 July 1992[91] |
| 173 |  Georgia | 23 July 1992 |
| 174 |  Slovakia | 1 January 1993[92] |
| 175 |  Croatia | 14 April 1993 |
| 176 |  Eritrea | 28 October 1993[93] |
| 177 |  Bosnia and Herzegovina | 14 December 1995[94] |
| 178 |  Andorra | 14 February 1996 |
| 179 |  Liechtenstein | 12 March 1996 |
| 180 |  North Macedonia | 4 July 1996[95] |
| 181 |  Marshall Islands | 14 August 1997 |
| 182 |  Palau | 27 August 1997 |
| 183 |  Nauru | 11 September 1997[96] |
| 184 |  San Marino | 24 November 1997[97] |
| 185 |  Federated States of Micronesia | 3 March 1998 |
| — |  North Korea (suspended) | 6 February 2001[98] |
| 186 |  Timor-Leste | May 2002[99] |
| 187 |  Bhutan | 25 June 2003[100] |
| 188 |  Montenegro | 5 September 2006[101] |
| 189 |  Monaco | 13 March 2008[102] |
| — |  Kosovo | 7 April 2009[103] |
| 190 |  South Sudan | 22 December 2011[104] |
| — |  Cook Islands | 20 May 2023[105] |
| — |  Niue | 12 September 2023[106][107] |
| Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Algeria | 1962 | Main article:Algeria-Canada relations Algeria is Canada's top trading partner in Africa.[citation needed]
|
| Angola | 1978 |
|
| Burundi | 1969 |
|
| Cameroon | December 7, 1961 | Cameroon and Canada have established diplomatic ties on 7 December 1961[110] with three agreements and four protocoles signed in 1965. Both countries share the use of English and French as the two official languages as well as memberships in theOrganisation internationale de la Francophonie andThe Commonwealth. |
| Cape Verde | 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1976.[113]
|
| Comoros | 1977 |
|
| Côte d'Ivoire | 1962 | Main article:Canada–Ivory Coast relations
|
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 1960 | Main article:Canada–Democratic Republic of the Congo relations
|
| Egypt | 1954 | Main article:Canada–Egypt relations Both countries established embassies in their respective capitals in 1954.
|
| Equatorial Guinea | 1968 |
|
| Eswatini | 1968 |
|
| Ethiopia | 1956 | Main article:Canada–Ethiopia relations
|
| Kenya | 1965 | Main article:Canada–Kenya relations
|
| Lesotho | 1966 | Main article:Canada–Lesotho relations
|
| Madagascar | 1965 | Main article:Canada–Madagascar relations |
| Malawi | 1973 |
|
| Mali | 1978 | Main article:Canada–Mali relations
|
| Morocco | 1956 | Main article:Canada–Morocco relations
|
| Mozambique | 1975 | Main article:Canada–Mozambique relations
|
| Namibia | 1977 | Main article:Canada–Namibia relations
|
| Nigeria | October 1, 1960 |
|
| Senegal | 1962 | Main article:Canada–Senegal relations |
| South Africa | 1939 | Main article:Canada–South Africa relations Canada established diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including South Africa, asWorld War II broke out.
|
| Tunisia | 1957 |
|
| Zambia | 1964 |
Canada currently has a development assistance program in Zambia, which is focused on the health sector to provide Zambians with equal access to quality health care. Canada and Zambia are currently in the process of negotiating a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.[127] |
| Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | April 1940 | SeeArgentina–Canada relations Canada's first ambassador toBuenos Aires, began his assignment in 1945. In 2011 Canada's largest imports were decorative itemsgold,wines and Iron and steel pipes.[128] Canada's largest exports to Argentina wereEnergy-related products; telephones sets, andfertilizers.[128] Bilateral trade in 2014 was $2.19 billion.[129] Both countries are members of theOrganization of American States and theCairns Group.
|
| Antigua and Barbuda | 1981 | Antigua & Barbuda and Canada are two of fifteencommonwealth realms, members of: the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations.Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1967.[130][131]
|
| The Bahamas | 1973 | The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Canada are two of fifteencommonwealth realms, members of: the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations.
|
| Barbados | November 30, 1966 | Main article:Barbados–Canada relations Barbados and Canada are both members of: the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations. In 1907, the Government of Canada opened aTrade Commissioner Service to the Caribbean region located inBridgetown, Barbados. Following Barbadian independence from the United Kingdom in November 1966, theCanadian High Commission was established in Bridgetown, Barbados in September 1973. There is aBarbadian High Commission in Ottawa and a Barbadian Consulate in Toronto. The relationship between both nations today partly falls within the larger context ofCanada–Caribbean relations. |
| Belize | November 1981 | Main article:Belize–Canada relations The nations of Belize and Canada are two of fifteencommonwealth realms, members of: the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations.
|
| Brazil | May 1941 | Main article:Brazil–Canada relations
|
| Chile | 1941 | Main article:Canada–Chile relations Canada and Chile are both members of: the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations. Since 1997 Canada and Chile's trade relations have been governed by theCanada-Chile Free Trade Agreement, Chile's first fullfree trade agreement and Canada's first with aLatin American nation.[134]
|
| Colombia | January 1953 | Main article:Canada–Colombia relations
|
| Cuba | 1945 | Main article:Canada–Cuba relations Canada has maintained consistently cordial relations with Cuba, in spite of considerable pressure from the United States, and the island is also one of the most popular travel destinations for Canadian citizens. Canada-Cuba relations can be traced back to the 18th century, when vessels from the Atlantic provinces of Canada traded codfish and beer for rum and sugar. Cuba was the first country in the Caribbean selected by Canada for a diplomatic mission. Official diplomatic relations were established in 1945, when Emile Vaillancourt, a noted writer and historian, was designated Canada's representative in Cuba. Canada and Mexico were the only two countries in the hemisphere to maintain uninterrupted diplomatic relations with Cuba following theCuban Revolution in 1959.
|
| Dominica | 1979 | Canada and the Commonwealth of Dominica are members of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of American States, theOrganisation internationale de la Francophonie, and the United Nations.
|
| El Salvador | December 29, 1961 | Main article:Canada–El Salvador relations
|
 Greenland | Further information:Canada-Denmark relations Greenland (within theKingdom of Denmark), and Canada are connected through indigenous culture and language, which is shared by the Inuit across Arctic Canada and also Alaska.[135]Both nations maintain cooperation and good relations through theArctic Council and under the auspices of the Arctic Coastal States. In addition, both act as close partners at:Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC),Nordic Council, Nordic Atlantic Cooperation, and the West Nordic Foundation.Through the expansion of self-government in Greenland since 1979 both nations, but especially the administration atNuuk have attached strategic importance to their bilateral relations with Canada in the areas of the politics, economic and trade relations and in the fields of education, science and culture.[136]
| |
| Grenada | February 7, 1974 | Main article:Canada–Grenada relations Canada and Grenada are two of fifteencommonwealth realms, members of: the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations.
|
| Guatemala | September 16, 1961 | Main article:Canada–Guatemala relations
|
| Guyana | 1964 | Main article:Canada–Guyana relations Canada and the Co-Operative Republic of Guyana are members of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations.
|
| Haiti | 1954 | Main article:Canada–Haiti relations Canada and Haiti are both members of theOrganisation internationale de la Francophonie, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations.
|
| Honduras | 1961 |
|
| Jamaica | 1962 | Main article:Canada–Jamaica relations Canada and Jamaica are two of fifteencommonwealth realms, members of: the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations.
|
| Mexico | January 1944 | Main article:Canada–Mexico relations Despite the fact that historic ties between the two nations have been coldly dormant, relations between Canada and Mexico have positively changed in recent years; seeing as both countries brokered theNorth American Free Trade Agreement. Although on different sides of theCold War spectrum (Canada was a member ofNATO while Mexico was in theNon-Aligned Movement, the two countries were still allies inWorld War II.)
|
| Panama | 1961 | Main article:Canada–Panama relations
|
| Paraguay | 1961 |
|
| Peru | October 21, 1944 | Main article:Canada–Peru relations
|
| Trinidad and Tobago | August 31, 1962 | Main article:Canada–Trinidad and Tobago relations Canada and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago are members of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations.
|
| United States | February 18, 1927 | Main article:Canada–United States relations Relations between Canada and the United States span more than two centuries, marked by a sharedBritish colonial heritage, conflict during the early years of the U.S., and the eventual development of one of the most successful international relationships in the modern world. The most serious breach in the relationship was theWar of 1812, which saw an American invasion of thenBritish North America and counter invasions from British-Canadian forces. The border was demilitarized after the war and, apart from minor raids, has remained peaceful. Military collaboration began during theWorld Wars and continued throughout the Cold War, despite Canadian doubts about certain American policies. A high volume of trade and migration between the U.S. and Canada has generated closer ties, despite continued Canadian fears of being overwhelmed by its neighbour, which is ten times larger in population, wealth and debt.[146] Canada and the United States are currently the world's largest trading partners, sharethe world's longest shared border,[147] and have significant interoperability within the defence sphere. |
| Uruguay | January 1953 | Main article:Canada–Uruguay relations
|
| Venezuela | January 1953 | Main article:Canada–Venezuela relations In February 1948 there was a Canadian consulate-general inCaracas and a Venezuelan consulate-general in Montreal. In that year the Venezuelan Consul General, on behalf of the government of Venezuela, made arapprochement with Canada in order to open direct diplomatic representations between the two countries;[148] but the Canadian government delayed the opening of a diplomatic mission in Venezuela because of the lack of enough suitable personnel to staff a Canadian mission in Venezuela and the impossibility of Canada beginning a representation in Venezuela in that year without considering a policy of expansion of Canadian representation abroad.[149] In the interest of protecting Canadian trade with Venezuela and considering the difficulties for business in being without a Canadian representation in Caracas, Canada was pushed to accept the Venezuelan offer of exchanging diplomatic missions.[150] Finally Canada elevated the former office of the Canadian Consulate General in Caracas to the category of embassy in 1953.[151] Venezuela established an embassy in Canada in 1952.[152] Since then there have been good commercial relations between the two countries, especially in technology, oil and gas industry, telecommunications and others. In June 2019, Canada closed its embassy inCaracas due to diplomatic visas unable to be renewed under President Maduro's government.[153]
|
| Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 1960s 1968 (officially) | SeeAfghanistan–Canada relations The Canadian government announced in February 2009 that it was adding Afghanistan to its list of preferred countries to receiveforeign aid.[145]
See also:War in Afghanistan,Embassy of Canada in Kabul,List of ambassadors of Canada to Afghanistan |
| Armenia | 1992 | SeeArmenia–Canada relations |
| Azerbaijan | 1992 | SeeAzerbaijan–Canada relations
|
| Bangladesh | 1972 | SeeBangladesh–Canada relations
|
| Brunei | 1984-05-07 | SeeBrunei–Canada relations
|
| China | 1970-10-13 | SeeCanada–China relations Since 2003, China has emerged as Canada's second largest trading partner, passing Britain and Japan. China now accounts for approximately six percent of Canada's total world trade. According to a recent study by theFraser Institute, China replaced Japan as Canada's third-largest export market in 2007, with CA$9.3 billion flowing into China in 2007. Between 1998 and 2007, exports to China grew by 272 percent, but only represented about 1.1 per cent of China's total imports. In 2007, Canadian imports of Chinese products totalled C$38.3 billion. Between 1998 and 2007, imports from China grew by almost 400 percent.[155] Leading commodities in the trade between Canada and China include chemicals, metals, industrial and agricultural machinery and equipment, wood products, and fish products.[156] Trade tariffs and other incidents in 2019, including the arrest of topHuawei executiveMeng Wanzhou[157] have frozen relations between the two countries. In July 2019, the UN ambassadors from 22 nations, including Canada, signed a joint letter to theUNHRC condemning China'smistreatment of the Uyghurs as well as its mistreatment of other minority groups, urging the Chinese government to close theXinjiang internment camps.[158]
|
| Georgia | 1992-07-23 | SeeCanada–Georgia relations
|
| India | 1947-08-15 | SeeCanada–India relations In 2004, bilateral trade between India and Canada was at aboutC$2.45 billion.[159] However, India'sSmiling Buddha nuclear test led to connections between the two countries being frozen, with allegations that India broke the terms of theColombo Plan.[160] AlthoughJean Chrétien andRoméo LeBlanc both visited India in the late 1990s, relations were again halted after thePokhran-II tests.[160]In 2023,Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of a Sikh-Canadian leader,Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. “Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty,” the Prime Minister stated to the House of Commons.[161] |
| Indonesia | 1952 | SeeCanada–Indonesia relations
|
| Iran | 1955 ended 2012 | SeeCanada–Iran relations Canadian-Iranian relations date back to 1955, up to which point the Canadian Consular and Commercial Affairs in Iran was handled by the British Embassy. A Canadian diplomatic mission was constructed inTehran in 1959 and raised to embassy status in 1961. Due to rocky relations after theIranian Revolution, Iran did not establish an embassy in Canada until 1991 when its staff, which had been living in a building onRoosevelt Avenue in Ottawa's west end, moved into 245 Metcalfe Street in the Centretown neighbourhood of Ottawa which was upgraded to embassy status, however in 2012, Canada severed all diplomatic ties with Iran in regard to Iran's treatment of human rights and belligerent foreign policy. TheCRGI is designated a terrorist organization in 2024.
|
| Iraq | 1961-02 to 1991–12 2005–06 | SeeCanada–Iraq relations,Canada and the Iraq War
|
| Israel | 1950 | SeeCanada–Israel relations At the United Nations in 1947, Canada was one of the thirty-three countries that voted in favour of the creation of a Jewish homeland. Canada delayed granting de facto recognition to Israel until December 1948, and finally gave fullde jure recognition to the new nation on 11 May 1949, only after it was admitted into the United Nations (UN). A week later,Avraham Harman became Israel's first consul general in Canada. In September 1953, the Canadian Embassy opened in Tel Aviv and Israeli Ambassador to Canada,Michael Comay, was appointed, although a non-resident Canadian Ambassador to Israel was not appointed until 1958.
|
| Japan | 1928-12 | SeeCanada–Japan relations The two countries enjoy an amicable companionship in many areas; diplomatic relations between both countries officially began in 1950 with the opening of the Japanese consulate in Ottawa. In 1929, Canada opened its Tokyo legation, the first in Asia;[164] and in that same year, Japan its Ottawa consulate to legation form.[165]
|
| Kazakhstan | 1992 | SeeCanada–Kazakhstan relations |
| Kyrgyzstan | 1992 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.[167]
|
| Lebanon | 1954 | SeeCanada–Lebanon relations Canada established diplomatic relations with Lebanon in 1954, when Canada deployed "Envoy Extraordinaire" to Beirut. In 1958, Canada sent its first ambassador. The embassy was closed in 1985 and reopened in January 1995. Lebanon opened a consulate in Ottawa in 1946. A consulate-general replaced the consulate in 1949, and it was upgraded to full embassy status in 1958. |
| Malaysia | 1957-08-31[170] | SeeCanada–Malaysia relations
|
| Mongolia | 1973-11-30 | SeeCanada–Mongolia relations
Though Canada and Mongolia established diplomatic ties in 1973,ad hoc linkages and minor activities occurred between the two countries mainly through the Canada-Mongolia Society, which disbanded in 1980. When Mongolia formed a democratic government in 1991 after the collapse of theSoviet Union, Canada began to support Mongolia with donor activities through theInternational Development Research Centre,Canadian International Development Agency and several non-governmental organizations.[172] |
| North Korea | 2001-02-06 to 2010-03-26 | SeeCanada–North Korea relations Canada andNorth Korea share very little trade due to the destabilizing element North Korea has caused in theAsia Pacific region. Canada is represented by the Canadian Ambassador resident inSeoul, and North Korea is represented through its office at the UN in New York City. |
| Pakistan | 1947-08-15 | SeeCanada–Pakistan relations
See alsoPakistani Canadian,High Commission of Pakistan in Ottawa |
| Philippines | 1949 | SeeCanada–Philippines relations
|
| Qatar | SeeCanada–Qatar relations | |
| Saudi Arabia | 1973-05 | SeeCanada–Saudi Arabia relations Saudi Arabia is Canada's second largest trade partner among the seven countries of theArabian Peninsula,[179] totalling more than $2 billion in trade in 2005,[180] nearly double its value in 2002, trade totalled $3.8 in 2014.[181] Canada chiefly imports petroleum, and oil from Saudi Arabia, while The largest exporting good are such ascereals,railway/tramway equipment;machinery equipment andpaper in 2010.[182]
|
| Singapore | 1965-12-15 | SeeCanada–Singapore relations
|
| South Korea | 1963-01-14[184] | SeeCanada–South Korea relations
|
 Taiwan | 1949–1970 official 1991-quasi-official |
|
| Tajikistan | 1992 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.
|
| Thailand | 1947 | SeeCanada-Thailand relations
|
| Turkey | 1943[192] | SeeCanada–Turkey relations
|
| United Arab Emirates | SeeCanada–United Arab Emirates relations | |
| Vietnam | 1973-08-21 | SeeCanada–Vietnam relations
|
| Yemen | 1975-12 (North Yemen) 1976-05 (South Yemen) 1989-09 (united Yemen) |
|
| Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | 1987-09-10 | SeeAlbania–Canada relations
|
| Belarus | 15 April 1992[195] |
|
| Belgium | 1939-01 | SeeBelgium–Canada relations
|
| Bulgaria | SeeBulgaria–Canada relations
| |
| Croatia | 1993-04-14 | SeeCanada–Croatia relations
|
| Cyprus | 1960-08-16 | SeeCanada–Cyprus relations Canadian bilateral political relations with Cyprus stemmed initially from Cypriot Commonwealth membership at independence in 1960 (that had followed a guerrilla struggle with Britain). These relations quickly expanded in 1964 when Canada became a major troop contributor toUNFICYP. The participation lasted for the next 29 years, during which 50,000 Canadian soldiers served and 28 were killed. In large measure Canadian relations with Cyprus continue to revolve around support for the ongoing efforts of the UN,G8 and others to resolve the island's divided status.
|
| Czech Republic | 1993 | SeeCanada–Czech Republic relations
|
| Denmark | 1949-10-14 | SeeCanada–Denmark relations
|
| Estonia | 1922 | SeeCanada–Estonia relations
|
| Finland | 1947-11-21 | SeeCanada–Finland relations
|
| France | 1882 | SeeCanada–France relations Canada and the Republic of France are members of: theCanada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association, theComprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), theG8, theG20, NATO, theOrganisation internationale de la Francophonie, and the United Nations.In the 2007 and 2008, French PresidentNicolas Sarkozy,[206] Canadian Prime MinisterStephen Harper, and Quebec PremierJean Charest[207] all spoke in favour of a Canada – EU free trade agreement. In October 2008, Sarkozy became the first French President to address theNational Assembly of Quebec. In his speech he spoke out against Quebec separatism, but recognized Quebec as a nation within Canada. He said that, to France, Canada was a friend, and Quebec was family.[206]
|
| Germany | SeeCanada–Germany relations
| |
| Greece | 1937 | See alsoCanada–Greece relations
|
| Holy See | 1969 | SeeCanada–Holy See relations Although the Roman Catholic Church has been territoriality established in Canada since the founding ofNew France in the early 17th century, Holy See–Canada relations were only officially established under the papacy ofPaul VI in the 1960s.
|
| Hungary | 1964 | SeeCanada–Hungary relations
|
| Iceland | 1942 | SeeCanada–Iceland relations
|
| Ireland | 1929-12-28 | SeeCanada–Ireland relations Canada and Ireland enjoy friendly relations, the importance of these relations centres on the history ofIrish migration to Canada. Roughly 4 million Canadians have Irish ancestors, or approximately 14% of Canada's population.
|
| Italy | 1947 | SeeCanada–Italy relations
|
| Kosovo | 2009-04-07 | See alsoCanada–Kosovo relations Canadarecognized Kosovo on 18 March 2008.[221]
|
| Latvia | 1921 | SeeCanada–Latvia relations
|
| Lithuania | 1921 | SeeCanada–Lithuania relations
|
| Luxembourg | SeeCanada–Luxembourg relations
| |
| Malta | 1964 | SeeCanada–Malta relations
|
| Netherlands | 1939-01 | SeeCanada–Netherlands relations
|
| North Macedonia | 1995 | SeeCanada–North Macedonia relations
|
| Norway | 1942 | SeeCanada–Norway relations
|
| Poland | 1935 | SeeCanada–Poland relations
|
| Portugal | January 1952 | SeeCanada–Portugal relations
|
| Romania | 1967-04-03 | SeeCanada–Romania relations
|
| Russia | 1942-06-12 | SeeCanada–Russia relations Canada and Russia benefit from extensive cooperation on trade and investment, energy, democratic development and governance, security and counter-terrorism, northern issues, and cultural and academic exchanges.
|
| Serbia | SeeCanada–Serbia relations
| |
| Slovakia | 1993-01-01 |
|
| Slovenia | 1992 | SeeCanada–Slovenia relations
|
| Spain | 1935 | SeeCanada–Spain relations
|
| Sweden | SeeCanada–Sweden relations Both countries have strong commitments to peacekeeping, UN reform, development assistance, environmental protection, sustainable development, and the promotion and protection of human rights.[dubious –discuss] In additional, there aremore than 300,000 Canadians of Swedish descent.[240]
| |
| Switzerland | 1945 | SeeCanada–Switzerland relations
|
| Ukraine | 1992 | SeeCanada–Ukraine relations,Embassy of Ukraine in Ottawa Diplomatic relations were established between Canada and Ukraine on 27 January 1992.[243] Canada opened its embassy inKyiv[244] In April 1992, and theEmbassy of Ukraine in Ottawa opened in October of that same year,[245] paid for mostly by donations from the Ukrainian-Canadian community. Ukraine opened a consulate general in Toronto in 1993[245][246] and announced plans to open another in Edmonton in 2008.[247] The main bilateral agreement signed between the two governments is thejoint declaration of the "Special Partnership" between the two countries signed in 1994 and renewed in 2001.[245] |
| United Kingdom | 1926 | SeeCanada–United Kingdom relations Canada establisheddiplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 1 July 1926.[citation needed] Both countries areCommonwealth Realms.
The UK governedCanada from 1783 to 1931, when Canada achieved full independence. Both countries share common membership of the Atlantic Co-operation Pact,[250]Commonwealth,CPTPP,Five Eyes, theG7, theG20, theInternational Criminal Court,NATO, theOECD, theOSCE,UKUSA Agreement, theUnited Nations, and theWorld Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have a Double Taxation Convention,[251] and aTrade Continuity Agreement.[252] |
| Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 1939-09-12 | SeeAustralia–Canada relations The Commonwealth of Australia and Canada are two of fifteencommonwealth realms, members of: the Commonwealth of Nations, theComprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the G20, and the United Nations.
|
| New Zealand | 1942 | SeeCanada–New Zealand relations Canada and New Zealand are two of fifteencommonwealth realms, members of: the Commonwealth of Nations, theComprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the G20, and the United Nations.New Zealand and Canada have a longstanding relationship that has been fostered by both countries' shared history and culture, by their membership theCommonwealth of Nations and links between residents of both countries. The two countries have a commonHead of State, currentlyCharles III. New Zealand and Canada also have links through business or trade relations, the United Nations, the Commonwealth and mutual treaty agreements. New Zealand-Canada relations are important to both countries.
|
| Papua New Guinea | 9 August 1976 | |
| Solomon Islands | 7 July 1978 | Canada and the Solomon Islands are two of fifteencommonwealth realms, members of: the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations.
|
One important difference between Canadian and American foreign policy has been in relations withcommunist governments. Canada established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China (13 October 1970) long before the Americans did (1 January 1979). It also has maintained trade and diplomatic relations with communistCuba, despite pressures from the United States.
In brief remarks at the signing, Secretary-General Carrington expressed appreciation to the Government of Canada for its support, and pointed out that over the years "Canada had proven to be a "special friend" of the Caribbean at the regional and bilateral levels." "Our relations with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) have grown to the extent that "it is now considered to be a highly valued international development partner for the region." Among the many important areas in which CIDA has provided grant assistance to the region has been that of trade and competitiveness, a most vital area as the region seeks to secure its place in the international economic and trading arena," the release quoted the Secretary-General as saying.
BURUNDI S.Exc. M. Térence NSANZE 27 March/mars 1969
September 13, 2023 ... Yesterday, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke with Niue's Premier and Foreign Affairs Minister, the Honourable Dalton Tagelagi, to mark the establishment of diplomatic relations between Canada and Niue.
.svg)
{{cite web}}:|archive-url= is malformed: timestamp (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)| History |
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provinces and territories |
| ||||
| Geography |
| ||||
| Government |
| ||||
| Economy | |||||
| Demographics |
| ||||
| Society | |||||
| Culture |
| ||||
| Contents | |||||
| Research | |||||
| Search | |||||
